The WTA continues to express concern for Peng Shuai after the Chinese tennis star publicly denied that she disappeared or was sexually assaulted.
Peng broke his silence in an interview with the French publication L’Equipe, insists she was never “missing” or sexually assaulted by anyone.
That is Second time Peng has publicly retracted the original sexual assault allegations she performed.
The 36-year-old initially alleged through social media in November that former Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli sexually assaulted her in 2017.
After the post was removed from social media within an hour, Peng hasn’t been seen in public for weekspromote The tennis community and fans expressed concern for her welfarewhile WTA canceled tournaments in China and some countries refuse to send diplomats to the Beijing 2022 Olympics.
Despite her L’Equipe interview, WTA President and CEO Steve Simon revealed that he remains concerned for Peng’s safety and well-being and emphasized that the sexual assault allegations Her original sexuality will be investigated.
Simon said over a statement on the WTA website.
“However, her recent one-on-one interview did not alleviate any of our concerns about her first post from November 2.
“To reiterate our position, Peng took the bold step of publicly alleging that she was sexually assaulted by a senior Chinese government leader.
“As we would with any of our players globally, we have called for a formal investigation into the allegations by the appropriate authorities and given the opportunity for the WTA to meet Peng privately – to discuss her situation.
“We continue to stand our ground and our thoughts remain with Peng Shuai.”
